Opinions about attire for attending a job fair

**David of Houston** · 03-04-2002, 02:07 AM

I need your opinions about professional attire for attending a job fair.

One of the biggest job fairs in the Pacific Northwest will be held in Portland on April 2 and 3. The job fair will attract recruiters from Oregon, Washington, and northern California.

In the past, I have always attended job fairs wearing hand tailored suits ... but hand tailored suits are not what I'm about.

I'm an elementary teacher ... and a darn good one if I say so myself.

In recent years I've become more and more interested with wearing historical costumes to school.

I am thinking of attending the job fair dressed as a Spanish Conquistador complete with hand tooled thigh length leather boots, baggy pantaloons, a striped puff sleeved shirt, a steel breastplate, stainless steel helmet, and a cape.

QUESTION: Is this too "over the top?" Do you think a recruiter would take one look at me and think that I'm hopelessly insane? Should I be more "traditional" and show my creativity in flyers with color photographs? I can also bring along my professional portfolio that has pictures of me in period costume and newspaper articles showing me in various garbs.

What do you think?

I'd like to move back to the Pacific Northwest - but I need a job.

The advantage of wearing Renaissance garb is that I'd instantly stand out. I'd be the focus of a lot of attention ... but I'm not sure if I'd get the "right sort" of attention.

I want potential recruiters to say, "Boy - this is a teacher we could use" instead of laughing and saying - "Hey - look at that lunatic!"

What do you think?

David

**Catherine** · 03-04-2002, 04:04 AM

Sadly I think it probably is a bit over the top. But you would definitely stand out and get noticed! I have never been to a job fair so I'm not sure what they are like. I'm not sure if the people who do the recruiting in those types of situations would appreciate your dramatic flair or not, you never know they just might. It would certainly make you stand out and get you noticed! Personally I think I would go for the well done resume and portfolio. Good luck in getting a job up this way (I'm a bit further north). From all I hear about teaching to the test in Texas I would be moving out ASAP. Let us know how it goes.

Catherine

**Leslie** · 03-04-2002, 12:16 PM

I have to agree with Catherine -- I don't think the job fair is the place to .....ah...... demonstrate your......ah..... individuality

By all means take the brochures and your portfolio. I think that is an outstanding idea. As is wearing the traditional suit

Sunnie

**DruinOK** · 03-04-2002, 02:14 PM

David,

I have to agree with the posters. Why not showcase your individuality with a tri-fold brouchure that shows lessons in your classroom, a short autobiography, etc.

Shelli

**David of Houston** · 03-04-2002, 03:22 PM

Thanks for your replies ... I sort of figured it was over the top but I needed to hear it ...

Now what about professional attire?

Should I wear a suit? I never wear a suit in class but have always interviewed in suits. (I really hate wearing suits by the way).

In this day and age - do you think I could get away with professional school attire - dress trousers, long sleeved dress shirt - BUT NO TIE? What do you think?

David

**Hope4Me** · 03-04-2002, 03:41 PM

Some of our male teachers have cute/kid drawn type ties, and I think men always look good in a tie. Take pictures of yourself teaching in your wonderful costumes and a reference letter from a student would be a great idea too.

Also note which software you used to create your color brochure so that they know you are techy too!

**Ann HS/WA** · 03-05-2002, 01:22 AM

Wear a tie. Take a suit jacket - some schools will interview on the spot. Duplicate the dress of the interviewer and most men administrators will have on ties.

Use your brochures to demonstrate your classroom creativity as others have already suggested.

Most of the Washington recruiters will be attending the Tacoma Job Fair and/or the one in Spokane, rather than in Portland. You can get job openings through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (keyword = ospi). They may want you to establish a file.

It is a good time of year to look because you have the time to check out a district. Are you looking for urban, suburban or rural districts?

Ann

**David of Houston** · 03-05-2002, 01:40 AM

Originally Posted by Ann HS/WA

It is a good time of year to look because you have the time to check out a district. Are you looking for urban, suburban or rural districts?

Ann

At this time I'd just like to return to the Pacific Northwest. I will entertain any and all offers. Eventually I'd like to be on the west coast - preferably in Oregon but possibly in Washington or even northern California.

Why? Do you have any hot leads? I'd appreciate any advice I could get. (Did I mention that I really hate suits ... but yes ... I take your point. I'll wear a suit).

Thanks,

David

**Ann HS/WA** · 03-05-2002, 03:46 AM

with you, not necessarily wear it. So, if you are interviewed, you can wear it or not, dependent on the interviewer - of course, if the interviewer is wearing a dress, be careful (You should only wear a dress if it complements hers).

You will be surprised at the very casual attire many wear to the job fair - but our district does screening interviews at them and have commented negatively on that casual attire -

There seem to be a lot of openings and not many qualified applicants these days and elementary schools are always looking for male elementary teachers. Because WA is state funded, not local for salaries, experience and advanced degrees are a + not a negative.

Ann

**David of Houston** · 03-05-2002, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by Ann HS/WA

Because WA is state funded, not local for salaries, experience and advanced degrees are a + not a negative.

Ann

Washington is state funded? Really? Does this mean that salaries are the same all across the state of Washington? In Texas, the state has a "state minimum" salary that all school districts must pay. Districts in more prosperous areas add a "supplement" to this - thereby creating higher pay to attract better teacher candidates.

David